The German Retail Association (HDE) has named C&A on Neuhauser Straße in Munich, the Thalia Mayersche bookstore on Neumarkt in Cologne, the proform kitchen studio in Weinheim, the Pâtisserie Johanna in Hamburg, and the Pier 14 beach terrace in the seaside resort of Ahlbeck as Stores of the Year 2025. The awards were presented this evening as part of the Retail Real Estate Congress in Berlin.
The winner in the Fashion category is C&A on Neuhauser Straße in Munich. The store impressed the jury with its modern, sophisticated, and minimalist concept. The open design with spacious video walls at the entrance, the green courtyard, and plenty of natural light create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. The strong focus on sustainability, for example in the recycling of furnishings, is also palpable. With this store, C&A is setting new standards for the presentation of affordable fashion.
The Thalia Mayersche bookstore on Cologne's Neumarkt won the Out of Line category. The store concept is characterised by its regional connection, incorporating characteristic elements of Cologne's cityscape, such as the Hohenzollern Bridge with its love locks or the Rhine cable car. With its children's area featuring play furniture for climbing and sliding, the marketplace with stalls and trees, and the café, Thalia creates a diverse experience space that invites visitors to linger.
The proform kitchen studio in Weinheim is the winner in the Home/Living category. The showroom focuses on the design and functionality of the kitchens on display, relying on realistic display areas and interactive elements. Customers can experience customised kitchen solutions and use them for live video formats and photo shoots. Thus, the proform kitchen studio not only presents high-quality kitchens, but also serves as a live performance location.
In the Food category, the elegant boutique-style Pâtisserie Johanna in Hamburg received the award. The handmade creations, presented in a glass-fronted production facility, are presented in stylish display cases. The store combines high-quality craftsmanship with luxurious shop design, regionality, and sustainability. An online shop and social media presence complement the brick-and-mortar concept. From the products to the shop design and customer service, Pâtisserie Johanna is a complete work of art.
The Pier 14 Beach Terrace in the seaside resort of Ahlbeck won the Concept Store category. A modern retail concept was created on the beach promenade that skilfully blends into the historic context of the resort's architecture. A coffee bar as a focal point rounds out the presentation of international designer collections, high-quality accessories, and exclusive lifestyle products. In addition to excellent store design, Pier 14 demonstrates how digitalisation can be integrated into the point of sale with real added value for customers.
The HDE honours outstanding and innovative retailers whose store renovations or redesigns were completed less than one year ago as Stores of the Year. The winners were selected by a jury composed of experts from retail companies and institutions.
More information:
Handelsverband Deutschland
www.einzelhandel.de